13 Creative Care Package Ideas for Family, Friends and Fido Too

Ideal for anyone who knows and loves good vino, this care package can absolutely include a bottle of something special—or you can simply stick with accessories (there are plenty of fancy ones available) and leave the wine expert in your life to pick their own beverage. (Psst: Because of the delicate nature of some of the below items, you might want to let the seller handle the packaging rather than doing it yourself.)

Ideas:

• Ice bucket and scoop ($125)
• Decanter ($215)
• Glasses ($72)
• Corkscrew ($13)

There’s a very good chance that someone (read, everyone) you know is in desperate need of stress relief in the form of pampering and self-care. Best of all, this care package is incredibly easy to put together—thanks to the immense selection of beauty products out there—and 100-percent fail-proof (because no one will turn their nose up at a rich and lightly scented bubble bath).

Ideas:

• Slippers ($100)
• Sheet masks ($26; $18)
• Eye mask ($50)
• Bath salts ($28; $20)

Family night is never a bad idea and during the holidays, it’s more appealing than ever. Help a beloved friend or family up the ante on the weekly tradition and mail them a themed care package with goodies that people of all ages will get a kick out of. Besides, you’ll be giving them the gift of something to look forward to.

Ideas:

• Puzzle ($20)
• Card game ($25; $20)
• Matching pajamas (From $25)
• Adventure book (From $20)

Being sick is a real drag, especially when you feel so crummy you can’t make it to the store for the stuff you need for a speedy recovery. If someone you care about is under the weather, help them beat the bug with a thoughtfully curated box of essentials. Your friend will be so touched, she’ll have another reason for the sniffles.

Ideas:

• Herbal tea ($20; $17)
• Emergen-C ($17; $10)
• Slippers ($100)
• Diffuser ($119)

So, you’re missing your offspring who recently flew the nest...well, chances are that the feeling is mutual (even if she won’t admit it). Do both of you a favor by sending a thoughtful package to show your love and support as your college kid settles into her new digs. Futons and bean bags won’t fit in a standard care package, but no worries—we have a few other suggestions for your college student.

Ideas:

• Hydroflask ($30; $25)
• Healthy snacks ($46)
• Noise-cancelling headphones ($350; $248)
• String lights ($10)

Trust us: If your pal just scored a new pad, she will be super grateful for a housewarming care package that makes settling in a little easier. Stuff this box with an assortment of practical goods along with some decorative items that will make the new place feel extra cozy.

Ideas:

• Scented candle ($68)
• Throw blanket ($147)
• Coasters ($14)
• Coffee mugs ($24; $17)

A growing number of people have taken up cooking as a hobby lately, so if you know someone who has developed a recent interest in the culinary arts, a care package with a cooking theme is an excellent gift. Bottom line: Send some specialty, hard-to-find food items and a few fancy kitchen tools and you’ll make your foodie friend’s day.

Ideas:

• Olive oils and vinegar ($118; $112)
• Truffle salt ($20)
• A cookbook ($33)
• Salt and pepper shakers ($65)

Make movie night a little more special for the cinephile in your life with a small but thoughtful care package stuffed with gifts that ensure an extra cozy viewing experience. Bonus: Once they’ve received their gift, you can watch a movie together.

Ideas:

• Mini projector ($70; $57)
• Popcorn seasoning ($30)
• Popcorn bowl with kernel sifter ($65)
• Popcorn maker ($13; $10)

You know those people who are more obsessed with their pets than they are with anything else? Don’t waste your time sending them a pretty picture frame or a selection of curated snacks…unless they’re for Fido, that is.

Ideas:

• Coat cleansing spritz ($14)
• Pack of toys ($30)
• CBD treats ($28)
• Treat jar ($35)

Maybe grandma is the reigning Scrabble champ or your bestie is always down for a heated game of Monopoly—either way, you probably know someone who never turns down the opportunity for some healthy competition. Give them a reason to let their dog-eat-dog side out with a curated collection of games that will have them vying for first place.

Ideas:

• Pack of cards ($11)
• Chess set ($30)
• Pictionary ($20)

Whether it's common knowledge not talk to your mom until she's had her morning coffee or your cousin can't function in the A.M. unless she's had a sip of mocha-y goodness, the caffeine aficionado in your life will never turn down a freshly brewed cup of joe. From infused coffee beans to one-the-go brewers, there are plenty of options out there that they (and their tastebuds) will delight in unwrapping.

Ideas:

• Travel mug ($30)
• Mini espresso maker ($55)
• Merlot infused coffee ($20)

Her house always smells sweet and her treats even sweeter. Safe to say your auntie slays when it comes to baked goods and you drool over her cookie recipes year-round. We can't promise that she'll bake you a batch every time you ask, but a care package stuffed with yummy treats certainly doesn't hurt.

Ideas:

• Apron ($25)
• Oven mitt ($14)
• Cookie-cutter set ($18)

For your Fortnite-obsessed little bro, a package dedicated to his favorite pastime is sure to score mega points. Heck, he may even be touched enough by the gesture that he invites you to play a round or two with him.

Ideas:

• Headset stand ($48)
• Video game console phone case ($21)
• Playstation icons light ($32)